Great Central Asia Tour - 23 Days

Fixed Travel Dates

DATES OFFER PRICE SPACE
18.May 2024 - 9.June 2024 Available 3,415
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8.June 2024 - 30.June 2024 Available 3,415
12
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6.July 2024 - 28.July 2024 Available 3,415
12
Booking
3.August 2024 - 25.August 2024 Available 3,415
9
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31.August 2024 - 22.September 2024 Available 3,415
12
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Great Central Asia Tour: Discover the Treasures of a Fascinating Region Full of Natural Wonders, History, and Cultural Diversity!

The Great Central Asia Tour unveils a region characterized by natural contrasts and an enchanting array of landscapes. Amid the vast, hot, and arid deserts of Karakum and Kyzylkum lies a world of unparalleled beauty. To the south, majestic mountain ranges such as Alai, Turkestan, Zerafschan, Hissar, Pamir, and Tian Shan rise with their inaccessible peaks, eternal snow, and grand glaciers.

In this unique land, one encounters dry wells and roaring mountain rivers, with crystal-clear waterways serving as the lifelines of the region – Wachsch, Zerafschan, Qashqadaryo, Syrdarja, and the imposing Amudarja, one of the world’s longest, widest, fastest, and most turbulent rivers. The Great Central Asia Tour transports you to a world where nature manifests in all its diversity.

However, the Great Central Asia Tour is more than just an encounter with breathtaking landscapes. It’s a journey through over 2,000 years of history, alive in ancient structures, intricate mosques, and historically rich cities of the region. Here, history and the present merge into a captivating panorama of cultural diversity.

The Great Central Asia Tour offers you a unique opportunity to explore the world while gathering intriguing insights. Every moment spent with us becomes an unforgettable experience. Central Asia reveals captivating landscapes, countries, cultures, people, and religions. Embark on a journey that enriches not just your senses but also your soul.

During your Great Central Asia Tour, you’ll encounter not only the renowned Ahaltekin horses but also explore the ruins of fortresses built during the reign of Alexander the Great. A natural wonder awaits you in the form of the “Door to Hell” – Darvaza, a mesmerizing crater that will captivate you. Visit the world-renowned cities along the Great Silk Road, including Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, and immerse yourself in their historically rich ambiance.

The journey also takes you to lesser-known yet equally impressive places such as the Fergana Valley spanning Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, the picturesque Issyk-Kul Lake situated 3,000 meters above sea level, and the Charyn Canyon, one of the most stunning canyons globally.

The cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand serve not only as the capitals of ancient nomadic empires and great states but also as vibrant centers of Islamic cultural development in the region. Centuries-old madrasahs in Bukhara and Samarkand have attracted students from around the world, contributing to the cultural flourishing of these places. Bukhara, as a pilgrimage site and significant Islamic city, holds a prominent position alongside Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Central Asia is also the birthplace of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that rapidly spread across Africa and Asia.

The Great Central Asia Journey promises a profound connection with a region where nature, history, and culture intertwine. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Central Asia, discover the treasures of bygone eras, and embark on a journey that not only broadens your worldview but also touches your soul. Prepare yourself for an adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your memory!

Highlights of the Tour

  • The Capitals of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

  • Ancient Mary and Merw

  • Darwaza – “Gateway to Hell”

  • The UNESCO – World Heritage Sites of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva

  • Pendjikent – Ruins of the ancient Sogdia

  • Fergana Valley – the Oasis of Silk Production

  • Khujand – the City of Alexander the Great

  • Second largest Mountain Lake in the World – Issyk Kul

  • Horseback Riding and Nomadic Life

  • Home of Apples – Almaty

  • Second largest Canyon in the World – Charyn Canyon


The short Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Day 2: Ashgabat – Treasure in the Desert!

Day 3: In the Kingdom of Margiana

Day 4: Ashgabat – Treasure in the Desert!

Day 5: The oasis city Kunya Urgench!

Day 6: Khiva – Museum in the open air!

Day 7: Khiva – Museum in the open air!

Day 8: Through the red Wonder!

Day 9: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 10: Bukhara – Pearl of the Orient

Day 11: Samarkand – on the Trail of Temur’s Treasure

Day 12: Samarkand → Panjakent → Dushanbe

Day 13: Dushanbe – the Capital of Tajikistan

Day 14: Khujand – the settlement of Alexander the Great

Day 15: Tashkent – where the modern and the ancient meet

Day 16: Ferghana – experience the industrial history of Uzbekistan!

Day 17: Osh – the City of King Solomon; Osh → Bishkek

Day 18: Bishkek – Capital of the Nomads; Bishkek → Cholpon-Ata

Day 19: Cholpon-Ata: at Lake Issyk Kul; Cholpon-Ata → Bishkek

Day 20: Bishkek – Capital of the Nomads; Bishkek → Almaty

Day 21: Almaty – Fatherland of Apples

Day 22: Almaty → Charyn Canyon → Almaty

Day 23: Early Morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure

Day 2
Arrival in Ashgabat; Ashgabat - Treasure in the Desert (B/-/D)

Arrival in Ashgabat. Transfer to the hotel. After breakfast at the hotel we visit modern Side of Ashgabat, the historical places Anew (5-3th BC) and historical Museum in Ashgabat. Dinner at the local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 3
In the Kingdom of Margiana (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the Airport and we fly to Mary. In Mary we visit the ruins of Alexandria (Antiochia) and region Margush: Sultan Kala (10-11th c.), Erk Kala (7th bc.), Gyaur Kala (IIIth bc.), Karavansaray Dandanakan (MA.), Kyz Kala (8-12th c.), Mausoleum Askhabov (15th c.), Mausoleum Sultan Sanjar (12th c.) and Muhammad ibn Said (12th c.) mosque-mausoleum. Lunch and Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 4
Ashgabat - Treasure in the Desert (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the Airport and we will fly to Ashgabat. Check-in to the hotel, we visit the historical monuments in Ashgabat, Ahal-Tekin horse farm and ruined city of Nisa. In the afternoon we drive to the Darvaza – Gate to Hell, a Wonder of Nature. Dinner and Overnight stay in the Tent at Darvaza.

Day 5
The oasis city Kunya Urgench (B/L/D)

After breakfast we will drive to Kunya Urgench. In Kunya Urgench we visit the historical monuments Ak Kala (15-17th c.), Gurganj, Komplex ibn Khadjib (14-16th c.), Lunch at the local Restaurant. In the afternoon we drive to the border checkpoint Uzbekistan → Turkmenistan. After the border formalities we drive to Khiva, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Khiva, with about 89 500 inhabitants (as of 2017), is located in the northwest of Uzbekistan west of the Amudarya river on the old Silk Road. Since 1967 Khiva is Museum City and in 1997 Uzbekistan celebrated the 2500th anniversary of the city. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 6
Khiva - Museum in the open air (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will visit the historical city “Ichan Qala”. Dinner with live folklore Music in the old city Ichan Kala. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 7
Khiva - Museum in the open air (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will visit the historical city “Ichan Qala”. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 8
Through the red Wonder (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will drive to Bukhara (480 km). While driving through the Desert Kysyl-Kum (Red Sand) you experience the unique expanse of desert landscape in Central Asia. The Kysyl-Kum Desert is about 200 000 square kilometres and it partly lies in the territories of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It is covered with red sand from which the Name of the Desert derives. On the way to Bukhara we make a short stop at the teahouse “Bukhoro-i-Sharif”, where you can have lunch or just relax and drink tea. Dinner at a local Restaurant in Bukhara. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 9
Bukhara - Pearl of the Orient (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will visit Poyi Kalon Ensemble consisting of Kalon Minaret (12th c.), Kalon Mosque (12th c.), Miri Arab Madrasah (16th c.), domed bazaars Toqi Zargaron (15th c.), Toqi Telpak-Furushon (16th c.) and Toqi Zaroffon (16th c.). Continue we will visit Lyabi-Khauz Complex (14-17th c.) and Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah. Dinner at Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah along with traditional folklore Program. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 10
Bukhara - Pearl of the Orient (B/-/D)

After Breakfast we will visit Citadel Ark (4th c. BC), Bolo-Khauz Mosque (beginning of the 20th c.), Samanides Mausoleum (9-10th c.), Chashmai Ayub (14th c.), Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Complex, summer residence of the last Emir (ruler) of Bukhara, Bakhouddin Naqshbandiy Memorial Complex, Chor Bakr (19th c.) and Chor Minor. In the afternoon we drive to Samarkand. Afterwards we will have Dinner for you. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 11
Samarkand - on the Trail of Temur's Treasure (B/-/D)

After breakfast we drive to Samarkand and check in to the hotel. Samarkand (540 000 inhabitants, 2019) has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The history of the city goes back over 2500 years. Visitors are fascinated by the walls of the legendary Afrasiyab, the capital of the ancient empire Sogd (9th century B.C.), which can still be found in the north of Samarkand today. Not for nothing Samarkand is called a jewel of the earth. Our journey in Samarkand begins at the famous Registan (sand place), whose construction was already started during the Timurid period and completed in the following three hundred years. Sightseeing of three Medressen of the Registan – the Ulugbek-Medresse (built 1417-1420), the Sher-Dor-Medresse (1619 – 1636) and the Tillo-Kori-Medresse (1646 – 1660). For lunch you will be offered traditional Uzbek dish Pilav. Depending on your wishes you can also order something else (our recommendation: try at least once the traditional dish Pilav in Samarkand, it is only prepared for lunch). In the afternoon we visit the legendary Timurid mausoleum Guri Amir (XIV-XV century). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in 3-star hotel.

Day 12
Samarkand - on the Trail of Temur's Treasure (B/-/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit the Bibi Hanum Mosque and Medresse (14th century) and we will be told the legends connected with the buildings. Afterwards we will visit the traditional oriental “Siyab bazaar”. Near the Siyab bazaar there is an ensemble of Shohi-Zinda (the living king, “IX.-XIV century), one of the world’s most famous group of mausoleums, which fasinate you with its beautiful architecture. Next we will visit the famous Ulugbek Observatory (1428-1429 which was built on one of the hills of Chupanata). The observatory was a unique design in his time. Dinner in a traditional Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 24
Samarkand → Pendschikent → Duschanbe (F/-/A)

Samarkand → Panjakent → Dushanbe (B/-/D)

After breakfast we drive to Uzbekistan – Tajikistan border crossing. After border formalities we continue to Panjakent. Panjakent is the birthplace of Abu Abdallah Rudaki, considered by many as the father of Persian poetry. Before lunch we visit the local bazaar and mosque. Lunch in a traditional tea room (chai hana), for lunch you can try pilaf made according to Panjakent recipe. We visit the ruins of the ancient Sogdian city, founded in the 5th century and abandoned by the Arabs in the 8th century. In the excavated ruins we can see foundations of houses, a citadel with some Zoroastrian fire temples and a city bazaar. The Sarazm ruins – one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia with 5500 years of civilization. In 2010 Sarazm was included by UNESCO in the list of human heritage. After that we will drive to Dushanbe. Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight in 4-star* hotel.

Day 13
Dushanbe - the capital of Tajikistan (B/-/D)

After breakfast After breakfast we drive to Hissar (Hissor; 35 km). Visiting Hissar fortress and we drive back to Dushanbe. In Dushanbe we will visit the monument of Ismoil Samani, the founder of the Tajik central Samanid state in X century. We will visit the National Museum of Regional History and Fine Arts named after Kamoliddin Behzod and the National Museum of Antiquity of Tajikistan, which gives an opportunity to get acquainted with the facts of history of art, handicrafts, science and life of the Tajik people in different periods of its formation. Visiting the oriental bazaar – which is full of fruits and vegetables, the variety of colors and fragrances that inspire every visitor of natural gifts. Dinner at the restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star* hotel.

Day 15
Khujand - the settlement of Alexander the Great (B/L/D)

After breakfast we drive to Istaravshan and visit a local bazaar, Hazrat Shah architectural complex, tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas’s brother, Khudayar Valami mausoleum and Namazgah mosque from the 19th century. The city is said to have been founded by King Cyrus on the northeastern border of his empire. We drive to Khujand and visit the historical city of Khujand, founded in 329 BC by Alexander the Great. We will visit the Museum of Archaeology, Sheikh Muslihiddin Mosque and Payshanba Bazaar, the largest bazaar in Tajikistan. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in 3-star hotel (drive: 300 km, 5-6 h).

Day 14
Tashkent - where Modern and Old meet (B/-/D)

After breakfast we will drive to the border crossing point Uzbekistan – Tajikistan. After border formalities we continue to Tashkent. Tashkent , the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, lies in the northeast of Uzbekistan and is with over two million people the largest metropolis in Central Asia . While visiting historical sights of the Capital, you can also enjoy the modern side of the city. The city offers modern Hotels, Restaurants, Theatres, Cinemas, Operas, Disco, Oriental Bazaars, of course also a thousand years old History to look back on. During the city tour we will visit Barak Khan Medrasah (building ensemble from the 15-17 c.), the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum (built in the 16 c. and rebuilt in the 19 c.), the mosque Khojah Akhror (1404-1490, Khojah Akhror was a Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Order). Afterwards we will visit the Medrese Kukaldosh (16th century), the traditional Chorsu-Bazaar . Dinner at a local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 16
Ferghana - experience the industrial History of Uzbekistan (B/L/D)

After Breakfast we will drive to Kokand. The city of Kokand, with 251 700 (2019) inhabitants, is the junction of the Great Silk Road. Kokand was once the capital of the eponymous Khanate in the 19th century. In Kokand we will visit the Palace of Khudayar Khan, built between 1833 and 1873, with it’s about seventy-meter-wide and infinitely colorful facades. We visit Juma Mosque (1809-1812) and the Madrasah Amin Beg. Afterwards we drive to Rishtan. In Rishtan almost 90% of the ceramics offered in Uzbekistan are produced and the ceramic production in Rishtan has been passed on from father to son for about 800 years. We visit a ceramic craftsmen family in Rishtan. We will learn how to produce ceramics in the traditional way. We continue our tour to Margilan, one of the oldest and industrial cities of Uzbekistan. Margilan has always played an important role in the History of the Silk Road. For lunch we will have lunch in a traditional tearoom in Margilan. In Margilan we visit historical-traditional Silk Factory called “Yodgorlik”, which continues centuries-old tradition. We will also visit the bazaar in Margilan. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 2-star hotel.

Day 17
Osh - the City of King Solomon; Osh → Bishkek (B/-/L)

After breakfast we drive further to Fergana. City tour in Fergana and in Andijan>/strong>. In the afternoon we drive to the border crossing Dostyk between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. We drive to Osh. According to the legend the city of Osh was founded by King Solomon. We visit Suleyman Tou (Mount Solomon), National Museum and the Basar in Osh. Dinner at a local restaurant in Osh. Transfer to the airport and we fly to Bishkek. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 18
Bishkek - Capital of the Nomads; Bishkek → Cholpon-Ata (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Bishkek is situated at about 800 meters (2,600 ft) altitude near the northern range of the Kyrgyz Ala Too range. This range is an extension of the Tian Shan mountains, which rises up to 4,855 meters (15,928 ft) and provides a spectacular backdrop to the city. The distance from Almaty city to Bishkek is 230 km. It will take about 4 hours for the transfer. On the way you will pass a border control. This entire day is dedicated to a guided tour of Bishkek. It includes visiting Pobeda Square (Victory Square), Duboviy Park (Oak Park), Central Ala-Too Square, the National Arts Museum, National Philharmonic.Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we drive to Cholpon-Ata. On the way to Cholpon-Ata we visit the Burana Tower (11th century) and the Stone Warrior Museum in the open air. On arrival in Cholpon-Ata check into the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 19
Cholpon-Ata: at Lake Issyk Kul; Cholpon-Ata → Bishkek (B/L/D)

After breakfast hiking at the Issyk Kul lake (3 hours). Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we continue to Bishkek (280 km). In Bishkek we have free time. Dinner at a local restaurant in Bishkek. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 20
Bishkek - Capital of the Nomads; Bishkek → Almaty (B/L/D)

After breakfast we visit the Bazaar, where you can get to know the Culture and People of Kyrgyzstan. In the afternoon we drive to Almaty (250 km). Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 21
Almaty - Fatherland of Apples (B/-/D)

After breakfast we will visit the Green Bazaar does not work on Monday, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping. Then the tour will continue in one of the oldest Almaty parks – Panfilov Park, where one of the most beautiful wooden building in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is located. After exploration of sport, cultural and business areas of the city you will get to the Medeo Gorge, well known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and Shymbulak resort. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if to count from the sea level) and where you will get by the picturesque winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe Park you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 22
Almaty → Charyn Canyon → Almaty (B/-/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Today you will have a day trip to Charyn Canyons. It is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The Canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, reminding the ancient castles, created by wind, sun and rain. It will take about 3 hours to reach the canyon. Meanwhile, you will hear a lot of interesting about the history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions. And as soon as you see Charyn Canyon you will forget about this long way at once – so much you will be impressed with the beauty and splendor of the canyon. You can admire the grand panorama and then have a walk through the maze of the Castles Valley with its inaccessible walls overhanging you. Lunchbox in Charyn Canyon. Back transfer to Almaty. Dinner at local Restaurant. Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.

Day 23
Early Morning Transfer to the Airport and Departure (-/-/-)

Price includes services:

  • 9 Nights in 4 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 12 Nights in 2-3 star hotels in double rooms with Shower/WC
  • 1 Night in a Tent (mattresses on the floor, bed linen available, Shower/WC outside)
  • 22x Breakfast, 4x Lunch, 21x Dinner
  • Mineral water bottles during the Tour (1,5 L per person per day)
  • Folklore show program in Khiva and Bukhara
  • Services of A/C comfortable transport with professional driver pas per the program
  • Professional English-speaking guides from group arrival to departure
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sights as per the program (except photo and video charges)
  • High-speed train economy-class (Y class) tickets for Samarkand → Tashkent
  • Domestic air tickets: Ashgabat → Mary
  • Domestic air tickets: Mary → Ashgabat
  • Domestic air tickets: Osh → Bishkek

Not included:

  • Visa costs and processing
  • Photo and video charges
  • International air tickets
  • Beverages
  • Meals not indicated in the program
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any personal expenses
  • Any services not included in the above itinerary

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Great Central Asia Tour
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Trip Facts

  • $ 405,-
  • TT0039
  • Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • 4 - 12
  • Medium
  • Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
  • Ashgabat
  • Almaty